Will La Niña Make Winter Gas Bills Rise?
According to the National Weather Service, there is a 74% chance for a La Niña winter this year. La Niña is the cool cycle of the El Niño / Southern Oscillation (ENSO). But what does that mean for our weather and gas bills in Georgia during this coming heating season? Let’s look at how cold does a La Niña make Georgia in Winter.
How La Niña Affects Winter Temperatures
As we saw last year, an El Niño tends to bring warmer than average temperatures to northern states during the heating season. But, a La Niña can lead to colder and wetter winters in the northern US. In other words, lots of snow and some serious cold snaps are more likely. In the south, however, we get the opposite. Georgians tend to see warmer and drier conditions in a La Niña winter.
For example, let’s take a look back at the La Nina winter 2021-2022. During that time, cities like Rome, GA had an average temperature that was 5.6°F higher than average. Now, compare that to last year’s El Niño winter when Rome, GA temps were 3.2°F higher than average.
Keep in mind that we are talking in averages here. You will still see some very cold and possibly colder than average days this heating season in Georgia. However, when you add it all up, La Niña will probably make things a bit warmer.
How La Niña Affects Your Gas Bill
Warmer temperatures mean using less gas and lower bills, right? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Remember that what brings us warmer and drier weather, brings colder and wetter weather up north. Lower than average temperatures translate to a higher demand on natural gas which can drive up prices everywhere. It’s unpredictable, but we’d put our money on gas rates going up this winter.
But there is an easy way to counteract high winter natural gas rates. Just lock in a cheap fixed rate today. Despite the heat, gas rates have stayed low this summer. That makes it a great time to switch gas providers and save before winter. Compare the best natural gas plan and start saving today at https://www.georgiagassavings.com.